Piloting a small or large aircraft is a serious job that requires precision and awareness. Over the last few years fatigue has become a very widely known cause of many flight problems and crashes. This is especially so when it comes to major airliner companies but applies to any one in aviation. Fatigue caused by sleep deprivation and other sleep disorders make pilots at high risk for mistakes that could result in disaster. Simple things like taking one more student on a flying lesson at the end of the day can be detrimental if the licensed pilot is lacking the sleep they need.

Americans in general work too long of hours, eat the wrong foods, do not exercise enough, and in turn don’t get the sleep they need. Pilots develop these habits just as anyone else. In order to break the cycle, habits must be changed and good sleep must be attained. Some conditions require medical assistance, but general fatigue and sleep deprivation can often be cured just by getting enough sleep each night. A person’s estimate of the amount of sleep they get each night is often wrong. Many people have trouble falling asleep, wake many times throughout the night, and wake up feeling drained and more tired than when they were at bed time.

If you are a pilot who has trouble sleeping, changing sleeping habits can make a drastic change in how much sleep you get and how well you sleep through the night. You should always try to get eight hours of sleep and have a set bed time and nightly routine. Eliminate as much light and sound as possible and make your bedroom a cool and comfortable sleeping environment. Exercise during the day and not before going to bed. Do not eat or drink caffeine before going to bed.

Keeping track of your sleeping patterns and daily habits can help you determine if certain activities, food, or beverages are affecting the amount of sleep you get. A sleep diary is a great way to monitor these things along with stress and other factors that can prevent a good night’s rest. Often this is one of the first things a doctor will recommend so a pattern can be determined and appropriate treatment and sleeping changes can be made. A diary should be kept for at least two weeks. Write down when you go to sleep and wake up every day, foods eaten, activities done before bed, and any time you wake throughout the night. Any other information you feel is important can be written down as well.

Sleep disorders and pilots are not a good combination. Many people’s lives can be put in danger and the lack of sleep can affect the pilot’s ability to make decisions and react properly during a flight. Make any changes that will help you get more sleep. As a pilot, you have the responsibility of other people’s lives along with yours and your crew. Taking care of yourself appropriately will ensure that everyone gets to their destination safely every time you fly.

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